Zwangssterilisation

Zwangssterilisation refers to the non-consensual sterilization of an individual, often for eugenic or population control purposes. Historically, this practice has been implemented by various states to prevent individuals deemed "unfit" from reproducing. The targets of such policies have frequently been marginalized groups, including people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and those perceived as mentally ill.

The concept of eugenics, which promotes the idea of improving the human population through selective breeding, heavily influenced the implementation of zwangssterilisation in the early to mid-20th century. Countries such as Nazi Germany, Sweden, and the United States enacted laws permitting forced sterilization. In Nazi Germany, zwangssterilisation was a precursor to more extreme measures and was part of a broader program of racial hygiene.

Critics of zwangssterilisation argue that it is a gross violation of human rights, bodily autonomy, and reproductive freedom. It has been condemned by international organizations and is widely considered unethical and discriminatory. While many countries have since abolished such laws, the legacy of zwangssterilisation continues to affect victims and their descendants. Debates around reproductive rights and the prevention of forced medical procedures remain relevant in contemporary discussions about ethics and human dignity.